This holiday in New York City has been really lovely so far, all in rather unexpected ways. I'd always imagined that when I finally got Marcus to New York, we'd be doing all of the usual New Yorky kinds of things: attending Tony award-winning plays, going to amazing restaurants, visiting world-famous museums.

What I hadn't figured on was the fact that a 5-year-old would be accompanying us.

I'll admit, when I first started planning this trip, I was worried that Alex would spend the entire trip bored, or Marcus and I would spend our days disappointed that we couldn't do the sorts of things we'd want to do. To the contrary: thanks to our renting an apartment, and the kindness and generosity of friends who actually live in town, we've been living our vacation almost as if we're locals -- and therefore, catching a glimpse of what day-to-day life would actually be like here in New York City. It's been so much fun, particular since many of our friends have young ones of their own that are about Alex's age. She's been having a ball.

But the best part has been seeing what it's like to be a family here in such a huge city. Jen and her husband are such attentive parents to their little girls, and my friend Doug is quite possibly one of the most engaged, devoted and involved dads I've ever known (it's rare I meet someone who gives Marcus a run for his money). I'm so really thankful not just that they've shared their time with us, but they let us witness the love they share with their families, as well.